A guide to quarter glass
What you need to know and how to replace quarter glass
This glass is easily forgotten, but is used almost as much as the retractable side windows. Used to help see the surrounding area, quarter glass is made with the same tempered or laminated glass as the side windows and rear windshield, designed to shatter into tiny glass balls to prevent harm. Just like any pane of auto glass, it is important to recognize when you need to repair or replace your quarter glass.
What is quarter glass?
This side window, also known as a valence window, is the last window on the side of a vehicle. It is behind the doors and above the rear wheel. A quarter glass is never in the rear door. Quarter glass windows are either stationary or retractable, depending on the window next to which they are mounted.
Does my vehicle have quarter glass?
Most vehicles with windows in the doors have a quarter glass pane. On minivans, which have an extra roof pillar, venting quarter glass is fairly popular, to allow more ventilation in the additional row of seats. Older minivans are fitted with manual tilt mechanisms, where the passenger had to unfasten the latches to tilt out the window. However, modern minivans have added power controls to operate the tilting mechanism electronically, for convenience. Quarter glass should not be mistaken for opera glass, which could be found in the rear pillar of older cars.
Quarter glass window replacement
If you need to replace your quarter glass, put your trust in the auto glass experts. Avoid exploding glass and get it replaced with Safelite!
Do I need to replace my quarter glass?
Since quarter glass is made from the same tempered safety glass as side windows and the rear windshield, it is extremely important to your safety that you replace the quarter glass if there is any damage to the auto glass pane.
How do I replace my quarter glass?
First, make sure that the glass and body panels are cleaned to remove old adhesive and any debris or contaminants.
You’ll need a trim panel removal tool to get around the adhesive and weatherstrip and remove the quarter glass, and the new panel of glass should be carefully placed onto the opening. Make sure there is enough room for the trim pieces. Press the quarter glass panel down so the adhesives slightly spread and let the adhesives set, then reinstall the trim pieces that were removed.
Step-by-step quarter glass replacement
Here are step by step instructions on the process to follow when removing and replacing your quarter glass.
- Remove quarter panel trim
- Remove quarter glass retaining nuts
- Clean glass mounting and install new adhesive
- Install new glass panel and tighten the retaining nuts
- Re-install rear quarter glass panel trim
Quarter glass can be easily removed by one person without breaking when glass is held in place by weatherstripping. Work from the inside of your car, and work out the lip of the weatherstrip in the corner of the quarter glass gently.